5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  Ophthalmology faces significant challenges, including financial pressures and disputes over optometric scope of practice and office-based cataract surgery.

• 2

  The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor has declined from $36.09 in 2020 to $32.35 in 2025, impacting ophthalmologists' reimbursements.

• 3

  Ophthalmic ASCs received a 2.4% increase in cataract surgery facility reimbursement for 2025, but this does not keep pace with inflation in medical service costs.

• 4

  Growing administrative burdens, such as prior authorization and step therapy, are delaying patient access to necessary ophthalmic procedures.

• 5

  Concerns over office-based cataract surgery include patient safety and quality, as these facilities often lack the rigorous oversight of accredited ASCs.